What is vaginal delivery done with?

A vaginal birth may involve a midwife or obstetric team, fetal heart monitoring, movement and positioning, breathing techniques, water or other comfort measures, and pain relief. The exact combination depends on your health, the baby’s wellbeing, how labour progresses, and your preferences.

Oxytocin is a hormone made naturally in the body and is also available as a medicine. It may be given through a drip to start or strengthen labour, or after birth to encourage the uterus to tighten and reduce bleeding. It is used with monitoring and a plan tailored to you.

Discuss pain relief, monitoring, mobility, assisted birth, and what may happen if labour slows. Tell the maternity team about medicines, allergies, previous births, and your preferences. A plan can guide care while remaining flexible if your or your baby’s condition changes.

During pregnancy or labour, contact your maternity service for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, reduced fetal movement, waters breaking with concerning colour or smell, or regular painful contractions according to the advice you were given. After birth, seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe headache, chest pain, breathlessness, or fever.

When might oxytocin be recommended? How will contractions and the baby’s heart rate be monitored? Which pain relief options are available? What signs should make me call the maternity unit?